Dale Cresap's blog

Have you read in my word that you should not worry about tomorrow, for sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof? If you don’t like the way this is stated you could as easily say, sufficient unto the day is the grace and blessing thereof. How far into the future do you plan? Do you get stressed when your planning horizon exceeds what I am willing to reveal to you? But I have my reasons for telling you what I do when I do. This also is an expression of grace in your life. You are called to walk by faith. You can trust me to reveal the future steps to you in time for you to take them, and on this basis you can experience peace now. I’ve gotten you this far already, haven’t I?

Not everyone can sing well enough to make living at it, but everyone can sing. The same goes for dancing and many other things. Your culture places a great emphasis on things that make money and being the best. This mindset does not serve you well and is the wrong perspective. Singing will enrich your life whether it enriches your financial standing or not. Do you intentionally avoid the things that bring you joy because others are better at them, or because they do not make money for you? I would release you from the burden of this wrong perspective. In how many areas of your life can you find more joy? Start by making a joyful noise.

Do you believe in diversity? This term is currently used to refer to acceptance of others of different backgrounds, typically with regard to gender, race, and culture. This is a rather narrow view of diversity. Do I believe in diversity? Look at the world around you. I created it all, including the people made in my image, with all their richness and complexity. Perhaps your view of diversity isn’t diverse enough. But some people use this term as a code word for acceptance and approval of all things. This is not what it means. But you can start with the fact that everyone is made in my image , whether they acknowledge me and follow me or not, and use that as the basis to accept rather than reject them, and engage and talk with them.

Do you believe in destiny? When you were first saved the process may have involved someone saying that God has a wonderful plan for your life. Did their apparent interest in this concept end when you were saved? This is a true principle, and your salvation is central to my plan for you, but it doesn’t end there. Do you know anyone who has an intentional and deliberate way to assist you in finding out what my specific plan is for you? Then you will have to find it yourself. Don’t be discouraged and don’t give up. Be wary of those who are too eager to tell you what my plan is for you. Why would I tell them instead of you? Keep seeking and be confident that I will show you your destiny in time for you to walk in it and fulfill it.

My word teaches you to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. Does this go against everything you observe by life experience? In another place it says that God alone is good. Does this concept seem to be confirmed and reinforced by your life experience? Can you reconcile these things? I don’t expect you to. Yet you can follow me in spite of your imperfections. You can rejoice with me and be at peace with me even though you are not perfect. Don’t let your imperfections serve as an excuse not to follow me, and don’t use imperfections as a basis for condemning others or yourself.

What does an abundant life mean for you? Being busy? But you can be busy and still lead a life that is too small for you. Martha was careful and troubled about many things, but Mary was finding a more abundant life. Abundance is more than stuff and filling up the hours of the day. It is more about your openness, the way you see yourself and the world around you, and how you connect and relate. In this way abundance is as available to the poor as it is to the wealthy. It is always possible to be more accepting and inclusive, and less narrow and judgmental. Ask of me for this type of abundance.

Do you want to be closer to me? How do you go about this? Do you find that the trials and afflictions you suffer cause you to draw closer to me? But you do not welcome these experiences. I do not expect you to seek them out, but to what lengths are you willing to go to avoid them? You can live your life in fear and draw back from any risk of suffering, but this will result in a diminished life, and the risks and suffering are inherent in life and will find you anyhow. I told my followers not to fear the things they would suffer. Can you overcome your fears and press forward anyhow? Then you will have an abundant life in spite of your suffering.

In some cultures and places there is a rigid class system. Other places claim to be free of this, but you can still see it in place even in if it is informal. Education has long been understood as a means of advancement. Do you see this in effect around you, that people with more education have more status than those with less? You can always improve your level of education, but there is another way to do this. I did not pick my disciples from among the elite, and did not spend many years with them, but after I was gone the world and particularly those with the advantages took note of them and marveled because they were unlearned men. Being with me made the difference for them, and will for you too.

I declared that I came to give my followers an abundant life. What do you think this abundance consists of? Money? I will give you enough for an abundant life, but there is more to abundance than that. I also promised that those who had left houses and lands and family for my sake would have these things many times over in this world, and in the world to come eternal life. By the way, persecutions are part of the deal. I want you to think of abundance more as opportunities and connections and experiences and achievements than as stuff. How much discernment does it take to see that this is better?

Have you ever felt an exuberance of joy that prompted you to offer vocal praise to me? When I entered Jerusalem, the crowd paid tribute aloud. When the religious leaders rebuked them I told them that if the crowd was silent, the rocks would cry out. The crowd continued to celebrate, so this premise was not put to the test. Do you find this hard to imagine? Do you suppose the same principle is still in effect? Wouldn’t you be embarrassed if you held your peace and a rock had to step up to take your place? Welcome the opportunities to be moved to exuberant praise, and don’t let a rock take your place.